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Data.NSW
Data.NSW
Identifying Open Data

Three-step discovery process:

  • Discover using GIPA pathways to find datasets
  • Assess value through public demand, uniqueness, and user benefit matrix
  • Classify sensitivity using NSW Information Classification Guidelines with comprehensive risk assessments
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Purpose

This framework helps you determine which datasets best serve the public interest while ensuring appropriate protection of sensitive information. By discovering, classifying and prioritising your data, you can focus on releasing high-value datasets that provide maximum public benefit.

Start with pathway 1 and 3 - these are usually the easiest to find and often have the highest public value. Then explore pathways 2 and 4.

Discover
1. What You Should Publish2. What You Should Publish
Information your agency is legally required to make publicResearch and strategic data you collect to do your job

Look for:

  • Annual reports and underlying data (e.g., Community Services Annual Report Dataset)
  • Budget allocations, performance metrics (e.g., Agency Budget Allocations by Program)
  • Regulatory decisions, compliance statistics (e.g., Development Application Approvals Dataset)
  • Contract registers, procurement data (e.g., Government Contracts Register)

Look for:

  • Environmental monitoring, community surveys (e.g., Air Quality Monitoring Dataset)
  • Infrastructure assets, service statistics (e.g., Public Transport Usage Statistics)
  • Economic indicators, trend analyses (e.g., Regional Employment Trends Dataset)
  • Program evaluation data (e.g., Health Program Outcomes Dataset)
3. What People Want4. What People Formally Request
Information people frequently ask for through normal channelsInformation requested through official GIPA applications

Look for:

  • Event schedules, facility locations (e.g., Public Library Opening Hours Dataset)
  • Contact directories, fact sheets (e.g., Government Services Directory)
  • Public meeting schedules, service updates (e.g., Council Meeting Calendar Dataset)
  • Application forms andprocesses (e.g., Permit Application Process Dataset)

Look for:

  • Financial details, correspondence records (e.g., Ministerial Correspondence Register)
  • Consultation submissions, evaluation reports (e.g., Public Consultation Submissions Dataset)
  • Research reports, operational statistics (e.g., Agency Research Publications Dataset)
  • Decision-making documentation (e.g., Planning Decision Register)

Key Responsibilities

  • Data Custodian: Lead dataset discovery across all pathways
  • Subject Matter Expert: Identify data sources within specific program areas
  • Business System Owner: Provide access to system-generated datasets
Asses & Classify

For each dataset you found, determine its classification using these categories (NSW Information Classification and Publishing Guideline )

May Be Open

NSW Classification: UNOFFICIAL / OFFICIAL

Process First

NSW Classification: OFFICIAL: Sensitive

Usually Closed

NSW Classification: PROTECTED / CONFIDENTIAL

Characteristics:

  • Routine business or government information
  • No/limited harm if disclosed
  • No personal, commercial, or security-sensitive information
  • Clear public interest in disclosure

Characteristics:

  • Sensitive information requiring specific handling
  • Contains sensitive elements BUT can be de-identified/aggregated
  • Medium risk that can be mitigated through processing
  • Strong public interest justifies release with safeguards

Characteristics:

  • Highly/extremely sensitive information
  • Significant/serious harm if disclosed
  • Cannot be adequately de-identified or aggregated
  • Public interest does not outweigh risks
Examples: Public meeting schedules, facility locations, general statistics, published reportsExamples: Survey responses (remove personal details), financial data (aggregate), research data (anonymise)Examples: Individual health records, security assessments, commercial-in-confidence, personal information
Action: Publish with minimal processingAction: Apply safeguards, then publish processed versionAction: Keep closed unless exceptional public interest justifies release

Key Responsibilities

  • Data Custodian: Apply priority matrix to classified datasets
  • Chief Data Officer: Approve final priority ranking and release schedule
  • Subject Matter Expert: Assess user benefit and demand levelss
Prioritise

Use this matrix to prioritise which datasets to publish first:

Priority Rule: Datasets with 2 or more "High" ratings should be published first. Focus on "Always Open" datasets from your high-priority list for quick wins.

Dataset NamePublic Demand (How often requested?)Uniqueness (Are you the authoritative source?)User Benefit (Who would use this?)Priority Level
Your DatasetHigh
(weekly/monthly)		High
(only you have it)		High
(multiple user types)		High Priority
(2+ High ratings)
Medium
(quarterly)		Medium
(partially unique)		Medium
(specific groups)
Low
(rarely)		Low
(available elsewhere)		Low
(limited users)

Key Responsibilities

  • Data Custodian: Complete classification assessment for each dataset
  • Legal Advisor: Review legal restrictions and NSW classification levels
  • Cyber Security Advisor: Assess security risks for sensitive datasets
  • Subject Matter Expert: Verify data content and identify public benefit potential